(from BMW Press
Release) Captivating from the outside, magnificent from the
inside. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Munich. Words such as
“breathtaking”, “irresistible” and “flawless” pepper the history
history of BMW convertibles. And now the brand has added a new
chapter to a tradition of open-top cars that stretches back decades.
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible fulfils the wishes of discerning
automotive aesthetes with its finely honed sense for sporty driving
pleasure, groundbreaking luxury and sparkling looks. In the
exclusive environs of the premium convertible market, the 2+2-seater
makes a convincing case for itself with the most efficient engines,
most advanced chassis technology and most innovative comfort,
infotainment and safety features in its segment.

A sweeping bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, long wheelbase
and flat waistline embody the hallmark proportions of a BMW
convertible. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible combines these
features with a classic soft-top roof in customary “fin” design.
Powerfully contoured surfaces and the surging dynamism of its lines
promise assured driving properties. The luxurious ambience of the
interior is highlighted by the driver-oriented cockpit set-up and
wraps the front passenger and rear passengers in a feeling of
exclusive security. Nowhere is the high-class functionality of the
interior underlined more prominently than in the redesigned
freestanding Control Display of the standard-fitted iDrive control
system.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available with two engine
variants from launch. The eight-cylinder powerplant in the BMW 650i
Convertible produces 300 kW/407 hp, while an exclusive variant of
the six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct
injection and VALVETRONIC –generating 235 kW/320 hp – has been
developed for the BMW 640i Convertible. Both engines team up as
standard with an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox.
Standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics features include the Auto
Start-Stop function in the BMW 640i Convertible.

Chassis technology unmatched in its segment works in tandem with the
cutting-edge engines to ensure even greater dynamic capability and a
similarly discernible improvement in ride comfort compared to its
predecessor. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible comes as standard with
Drive Dynamic Control, which allows drivers to choose their own
suspension settings, while the Adaptive Drive system is available as
an option with electrically controlled dampers and roll
stabilisation. In addition to the standard-fitted electromechanical
power steering, another unique feature in this segment is the
optional Integral Active Steering system.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible also underlines its progressive
character with numerous BMW ConnectedDrive features that none of its
rivals can match. The selection of optional driver assistance
systems includes a rear-view camera, Surround View, BMW Night Vision
with pedestrian recognition and BMW Parking Assistant. The new BMW 6
Series Convertible is the only car in its segment to be available
with a Head-Up Display. Making its debut in the new soft top, the
latest generation of the system uses a broader palette of colours
and three-dimensional graphics to create an even sharper image.

The luxurious yet
dynamic driving experience of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is
reflected in the athletic elegance and sense-tingling sportiness of
its exterior design. A long, sweeping bonnet, set-back passenger
compartment, long wheelbase and flat waistline combine to create the
proportions typical of a BMW convertible. The precise interplay of
eye-catching lines and meticulously sculpted surfaces help to give
the new BMW 6 Series Convertible its arresting looks.

Like the lines projecting out from the nose of the car and
continuing along its full length, the harmoniously curved surfaces
of the body take their cue from the movement of waves sent out by a
the bow of a motor boat piercing the water. Continuing the theme,
the waistline surface which leads the body into the interior mimics
the character of a boat deck.

The front end: surging forward and
focusing on the road.

The new BMW 6 Series
Convertible also displays its dynamic character in its front end
design. The large, slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille – its
“shark nose” – gives the car a sense of surging forward, while a
broad air intake, strikingly contoured bonnet and muscular wheel
arches hint at its powerful engine technology and impressive
roadholding. High-quality chrome elements positioned on the outer
edges of the front apron further accentuate the width of the car.
The optional foglamps consisting of a string of three LED units are
placed in front of these chrome elements.

The standard xenon headlights of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible
pick up on the brand’s familiar “twin round” look. As standard, an
accent strip cuts across the top of them; this is replaced by an LED
accent light if the optional Adaptive Headlights are specified. The
daytime running lights take the form of LED light rings, whose
bright white light illuminates the distinctive front end look. A
horizontal light strip below the daytime running lights, meanwhile,
performs direction indicator duties.

Side view: elongated lines,
athletic curves.

Uninterrupted, flowing
lines lend the silhouette of the BMW 6 Series Convertible a sweeping
elegance. Powerful curves mimicking the natural movement of waves
give the car’s side view a natural athleticism. The hallmark BMW
swage line at door handle level is spawned in the front wheel arch
gill – which houses the side indicator – and extends all the way
back into the rear lights.

Another character line is released from the bulge of the front wing,
stretching powerfully over the front wheel like a wave before
dropping down and continuing horizontally towards the rear. Together
with the swage line, it creates a dynamic wedge shape which
emphasises the car’s forward-surging character.

The striking V-shape and accentuated width of the rear end create a
powerful appearance.

Wide and flat surfaces define the rear of the new BMW 6 Series
Convertible. The dominance of horizontal lines adds extra emphasis
to the wider track of the new car compared to its predecessor. In
addition, downward-converging lines underline the car’s focus on the
road, echoing the approach at the front end. This distinctive
V-shape is created by lines including the side edges of the boot
lid, the licence plate surround and the contours of the reflectors
positioned in the bumper. The slightly concave lower section of the
boot lid produces light and shade effects which lend an extra
lightness to the rear of the car.

The new BMW 6 Series
Convertible is designed to be a 2+2-seater. Its interior offers
individually tailored seats for the driver, front passenger and rear
passengers. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colours
and, once again, meticulously formed surfaces combine to produce an
ambience defined by luxury, sweeping dynamism and stylish
functionality. A hallmark BMW element of the interior design is the
driver-oriented cockpit layout. The central section of the
instrument panel, containing the iDrive system’s Control Display,
the central air vents and the controls for the audio system and air
conditioning, are all angled slightly towards the driver. Added to
which, the gearshift lever and the buttons for the parking brake,
roof operation and Drive Dynamic Control are located on a surface
that opens out towards the driver and is set lower than the front
passenger side of the centre console.

The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly
from the armrest over the side edge of the centre console, upwards
and outwards into the instrument panel and then horizontally into
the door trim. This provides a harmonious surround for the front
passenger area, creating a feeling of exclusive security. The
contour of the rear waistline surface, which extends slightly into
the interior between the head restraints, highlights the individual
seat layout of the rear.

Premiere: freestanding Control
Display with flatscreen design.

The black-panel
instrument cluster of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible combines the
traditional sports car circular instruments with state-of-the-art
display technology. The navigation system, telephone and
entertainment functions are operated using the standard-fitted
iDrive control system, whose Control Display boasts an innovative
design. The on-board monitor takes the form of a freestanding
display for the first time in the new BMW 6 Series Convertible. The
standard 7-inch screen can be upgraded to 10.2 inches by ordering
the optional Navigation system Professional, and the larger screen
has a high-quality galvanised chrome surround. The minimal depth of
the display gives it the character of a flatscreen unit. The new
arrangement of the Control Display – which now reaches further into
the passenger compartment – also influences the architecture of the
instrument panel, which rises up steeply in front of the driver and
front passenger in the style of a powerboat cockpit

This impression is further enhanced by the structure of the door
trim panels. Their surfaces have a powerfully taut look and, like
the black waistline surface, pull in and rise up to create a smooth
transition into the instrument panel, giving the interior the effect
of wrapping around the driver and front passenger.

Exclusive and distinctive: the fin
roof.

The new BMW 6 Series
Convertible again comes with an electrically powered soft-top roof
with “fin” architecture. The multi-layer roof – which has been
optimised once again in terms of its acoustic properties and
structural rigidity – offers outstanding thermal insulation and thus
enables the new convertible to be used comfortably all year round.
The fins project out along the flanks of the 6 Series into its rear
section, accentuating the car’s gracefully sweeping silhouette even
more keenly than on its predecessor and giving it an unmistakable
appearance. The upshot is that the transition of the roof line into
the rear end flows as smoothly as on a hard-top coupé. The upright,
heated, glass rear window is positioned directly behind the rear
seats and can be lowered separately from the roof.

The automatic opening and closing operation for the roof is
activated as standard using a button on the centre console. The
Comfort Access option allows the process to be initiated using the
remote control button on the car key. Opening the roof takes 19
seconds, the closing process 24 seconds. Both operations can be
activated while on the move at speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph).

The fin roof of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available in
three colour variants, including new Anthracite Silver effect, which
adds a stylish lustre. Two non-metallic exterior paint finishes and
seven metallic shades are available. As an alternative to the
standard Dakota leather trim, customers can also specify the
Exclusive Nappa leather variant which can be ordered in four colour
options. As well as the instrument panel, the centre console and the
upper sections of the rear door panel and side trim can also be
lined with Exclusive Nappa leather as an option. Plus, interior
elements covered with Exclusive Nappa leather can also be ordered
with optional stitching in a contrasting colour. The double
stitching stands out from the leather surface, lending a
particularly elegant flourish to the design of the interior.

Optimised seat comfort; boot
capacity can be expanded as required.

At 4,894 millimetres
(192.6 in.) in length, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is 74
millimetres (2.9 in.) longer than its predecessor. Its similarly
extended wheelbase now stretches to 2,855 millimetres (112.4 in.).
The car has also grown by 39 millimetres (1.5 in.) in width, and now
measures 1,894 millimetres (74.5 in.) across, while 9 millimetres
(0.35 in.) have been shaved off its height (now 1,365 mm / 53.7
in.). These dimensions not only create a significantly more powerful
and, at the same time, elegantly sweeping overall impression, they
also take interior spaciousness to new levels. Despite its lower
height, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible offers greater headroom in
both the front and the rear. Added to which, the height adjustment
of the driver and front passenger seats cover a greater range. The
increase in the width of the interior is noticeable from all four
seats, and passengers in the rear seats also benefit from additional
legroom. The tilt angle of the rear seat backrest has seen further
optimisation over the predecessor model and now achieves virtually
the same angle as you will find in BMW saloons.

A ski bag with an opening in the rear seat backrest is available as
an option and offers space for two sets of skis. The new BMW 6
Series Convertible boasts 300 litres (10.6 cu. ft.) of boot space
with the roof open, allowing two 46-inch golfbags and a business
case to be accommodated. With the roof closed, the variable soft-top
stowage compartment can be folded up in a single movement to
increase boot capacity to 350 litres (12.3 cu. ft.).

Newly developed lightweight seats,
comprehensive safety equipment.

The new BMW 6 Series
Convertible is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an
integrated seatbelt system, and the seats are available in three
variants. As an alternative to the standard items, customers can
also order sports seats with integral head restraints or comfort
seats with a wider range of adjustment. All seat variants come with
crash-activated head restraints.

The range of standard safety equipment also includes front airbags,
head-thorax side airbags integrated into the seat frame, three-point
automatic belts for all seats, belt force limiters and front belt
tensioners, ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear and a roll-over
protection system. The roll-over system further developed
specifically for the new BMW 6 Series Convertible consists of two
bars placed behind the rear head restraints. As soon as the central
safety electronics register a danger of the car rolling over, the
pyrotechnic release mechanism is activated, at which point the
high-strength aluminium bars rise up from their rest position in a
fraction of a second.

Carefully targeted advances in the use of materials and in the
development of the car’s load-bearing structure have significantly
enhanced the body’s construction in terms of the agility and safety
it offers. Its static torsional rigidity is now around 50 per cent
greater than that of its predecessor. In the interests of weight
optimisation, the doors, bonnet and front axle spring mounts are all
aluminium, while the front side panels, roof lid and boot are made
from glass fibre composite.

Instantaneous power
development and majestic torque are the stand-out features of the
two engines available for the new BMW 6 Series Convertible from
launch. The V8 powerplant and six-cylinder in-line unit both have
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and direct injection, and combine
their sporting character with outstanding smoothness and exceptional
efficiency.

The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine in the new BMW 650i Convertible
develops a maximum 300 kW/407 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and
puts its peak torque of 600 Newton metres (443 lb-ft) on tap between
1,750 and 4,500 rpm. This unique engine, whose turbochargers are
positioned in the V-shaped area between the cylinder banks, produces
an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a feast for
the enthusiast driver. The new BMW 650i Convertible completes the
sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds, and the engine
electronics eventually step in to halt acceleration at 250 km/h (155
mph). This range-topping engine also boasts extraordinary efficiency
for a model in its output class, as average fuel consumption of 10.7
litres per 100 kilometres in the EU test cycle (26.4 mpg imp) and
CO2 emissions of 249 grams per kilometre clearly show.

The six-cylinder in-line engine under the bonnet of the new BMW 640i
Convertible complements its BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and
petrol direct injection with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve
control. All of which enables the 3.0-litre unit to develop a
maximum 235 kW/320 hp at 5,800 rpm and maximum torque of 450 Newton
metres (332 lb-ft) between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. This engine propels
the BMW 640i Convertible from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds
and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
Its average fuel economy in the EU test cycle comes in at 7.9 litres
per 100 kilometres (35.8 mpg imp), while CO2 emissions are 185 grams
per kilometre.

Eight-speed Sports automatic and
BMW EfficientDynamics as standard.

The eight-speed Sports
automatic gearbox fitted as standard in the new BMW 6 Series
Convertible boasts a combination of sportiness, shift comfort and
efficiency unmatched in its segment. Its minimal converter slip and
rapid and precise gear changes set it apart from the crowd. An
innovative gear set configuration allows this transmission to offer
eight gears and a correspondingly wide gear range – which optimises
the car’s sprinting power yet also allows the driver to save fuel by
driving at low revs – despite its compact construction and low
weight. The driver can also change gear manually using shift paddles
on the steering wheel.

In addition to the efficiency of the engines and eight-speed Sports
automatic, an extensive range of BMW EfficientDynamics measures also
contribute to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Technology
such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering (EPS),
the need-based operation of ancillary components, intelligent
lightweight construction and low-rolling-resistance tyres ensure
maximum efficiency. Plus, the new BMW 640i Convertible is also
equipped with automatic active air flap control and the Auto
Start-Stop function. When the driver draws to a standstill at
junctions or in a traffic jam the engine is automatically switched
off. As soon as the driver releases the brake pedal, the engine
starts up again. If the driver is using the Auto Hold function, the
engine is restarted when the accelerator is depressed.

Advanced chassis technology
including Electric Power Steering;
Integral Active Steering available as an option.

Cutting-edge chassis
technology gives the new BMW 6 Series Convertible the tools it needs
to lay on sporty handling characteristics and exceptional comfort.
Both the double track control arm and the integral rear axle are
made predominantly from aluminium. The chassis set-up is geared to
the requirements of drivers with sporting intentions, although the
dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under
high lateral acceleration. The optional Adaptive Drive system, which
includes Dynamic Damper Control and the Dynamic Drive active roll
stabilisation system, offers the driver even more precise responses.
The electronically controlled dampers adapt to both the nature of
the road surface and the driver’s style to prevent unwanted
movements in the car body. The roll stabilisation system reduces
factors such as body sway in fast-driven corners and sudden
direction changes.

Electric Power Steering with Servotronic serves up the familiar BMW
recipe of precision, comfort and efficiency, and is unique in the
BMW 6 Series Convertible’s segment. Added to which, the new BMW 6
Series Convertible is the first car in its class that can be ordered
– as an option – with Integral Active Steering. This system combines
the Active Steering system for the front axle already available for
the predecessor model with a steering rear axle, allowing the
steering angle and power assistance to be controlled at both the
front and the rear with the help of electric motors. Precisely
harmonised wheel turns pave the way for extraordinary agility in
dynamic driving situations. And Integral Active Steering also
displays an impressively deft touch around twisty mountain passes
and in city traffic.

Drive Dynamic Control allows a
choice of suspension settings.

With Drive Dynamic
Control the virtues of sportiness and comfort can take precedence as
the situation demands. The driver can make his own choice of
suspension settings in NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes using a button
on the centre console. If the Adaptive Drive option has been
specified, he can also make use of the COMFORT setting. In this
mode, as well as adjusting the accelerator pedal progression, engine
responses, power steering characteristics, DSC response thresholds
and the shift dynamics of the automatic gearbox, Drive Dynamic
Control also tweaks the damper responses and roll stabilisation
settings. On cars fitted with Integral Active Steering, the basic
steering set-up is also adjusted according to the mode selected, not
just the level of power assistance. As a result, in SPORT and SPORT+
modes the car’s sporting responses are sharpened even further.

The lightweight floating-calliper brakes with inner-vented discs are
easy to use with precision, and their effectiveness is reinforced by
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). This driving stability system
brings together technology such as the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC),
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), the Start-off Assistant, the automatic
Brake Drying function and brake fade compensation. Standard
equipment also includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels on the new BMW
650i Convertible or 17-inch rims for the new BMW 640i Convertible,
as well as runflat tyres and a runflat indicator.

Cutting-edge comfort-enhancing
features and exclusive options from BMW ConnectedDrive.

Among the
comfort-enhancing features included as standard in the new BMW 6
Series Convertible are 2-zone automatic climate control with
convertible mode, a hi-fi audio system with CD player and AUX-IN
socket, a multifunction steering wheel, electrically operated front
seats with memory function and a rain sensor with integrated
automatic driving lights control. Among the highlights of the
optional equipment list are Adaptive Headlights, a heated steering
wheel, active seat ventilation, active seats and the Navigation
system Professional with a hard disk for storing maps and personal
music collections.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available with an even greater
variety of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW
ConnectedDrive. It can be ordered with technology such as the Lane
Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Speed Limit
Info, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, rear-view
camera, Surround View and the BMW Parking Assistant. Innovative
technologies optimise the integration of the Apple iPhone and other
smartphones, as well as music players. And, in addition to internet
access, BMW ConnectedDrive also allows email messages received on a
smartphone to be shown on the Control Display as well as the use of
internet-based services for navigation and entertainment.

What’s more, the latest-generation Head-Up Display – a unique
feature in this class – is making its debut in the new BMW 6 Series
Convertible. The system projects driving-related information onto
the windscreen within the driver’s direct field of view. The
three-dimensional graphics are now displayed using a full spectrum
of colours, allowing real-life traffic symbols to be accurately
depicted.

The BMW 6 Series Convertible:
exclusive driving pleasure and a unique heritage.

The new BMW 6 Series
Convertible sees the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium
cars building on an unparalleled tradition. The allure of exclusive
driving pleasure in open-top BMW sports cars continues to hold a
magnetic attraction after more than 70 years. The extraordinary
history of BMW convertibles stretches from the legendary BMW 328 –
which provided the basis for the winning car in the 1940 Mille
Miglia – via the highly coveted BMW 507 of the 1950s, to the dynamic
and groundbreaking predecessor to the new BMW 6 Series Convertible.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is built at the BMW plant in
Dingolfing, Germany. Also rolling off the assembly line at the BMW
Group’s largest production plant are the BMW 7 Series and BMW 5
Series models. The flexible and efficient processes at the plant
combine state-of-the-art production technology with a standard of
quality defined by meticulous craftsmanship in the manufacture of
premium cars configured to customer requirements.